The Arkansaw traveler., 1887-07-09
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Levi offered you? On, what a pity the beautiful frame" said Mrs. Megilp, bustling into the studio. But with out waiting for answers to her ques- tions, she went on: "Ive just had a letter from Aunt Jane, and she wants us to spend from Saturday to Monday with her. Do let me accept, dear. You look quite pale from over-work, and so long for sight of the coun- try. Do let's get away from these bothering money lenders and people, and have holiday. Pm sure we both want it."
 "Levi has offered me 300 pounds for Chloe" began Megilp gravely.
 "Why, that's worse than MT. Zerub- babel-but about Aunt Jane's invita- tion, Angy. May accept?'
 Megilp never could refuse his wife anything. She had evidently set her heart upon the visit, so, though he didn't like leaving town at such a critical moment, he let her have her own way; and the note accepting Aunt Jane's invitation was written and posted forthwith.
 Having called at the picture framer's and ordered a new frame for "Chloe," and left the key of the studio with Mary Anne, the house maid, with directions to hand over the pie ture to Mir. Ormolu's representative, Megilp and his wife left town the fol- lowing afternoon and spent delight fully quiet Sunday with Aunt Jane at her cottage in Sussex.
 Late on Monday evening the Me- gilps returned home. "Any one called while we were away? Any letters, Mary Anne?" Mrs. Megilp asked, as the neat hand maiden met her at the door.
 "Oh, yes, mum, if you please" re- piled Mary Anne volubly. "On Sat urday, soon after yon and master left, MT. Ormolu's young man came for the picture-the pretty one with the chickens: and this morning came a dark gentleman-a Jewish gentleman, should say, mum-the same as called the other evening when master was out. And he ast me if he could see the masters pictures; and I said yes, I thought he could, and I showed him into the drawing room. I hope did right, sir?" she added, turning to Megilp.
 "Quite right. Which pictures did you show him, Mary Anne?"
 Il ast him to wait minute" re- sumed the girl, smoothing her apron complacently, ''and l made the studio look quite nice before I showed him in. l lifted the big picture-the one of the young lady with two long plaits of 'air down her back"
 Margaret Mending her Stockings" said Megilp, under his breath.
 And l put it on the easel, and it looked beautiful" went on the maid glibly. "The gentleman seemed very much took with it; and then he looked at the little picture"
 "Sour Grapes" interpolated Michael Angelo, smiling.
 And then he ast me for pen and ink, and then he sat down and wrote you this letter, sir.'' Here she pro- duced from her pocket two letters. 1.-The other came by post this morn- ing" she added, giving both to him.
 Hastily stuffing the post-lett into his pocket, Megilp tore open Mir. Zerubbabefs communication. When he had read it he burst into a hearty laugh, drew his wife into the drawing room and shut the door on the aston ished Mary Anne.
 "Madge! Madge! it's the best joke you must raise the girls wages five pounds year, and give her gown or something. 'Pon my word, you must. She's done us splendid turn. Read that!'
 He handed the open letter to Mrs. Megilp. It ran as follows:
 DEAR SIR: have seen your pie ture, Margaret Mending Her Stock ings.' It's taken my fancy. I'll buy 1t of you on the following terms: I'll remit the bill of sale and give you fifty pounds. If you accept, bill of sale remitted by return of post. Wire reply. Yours respectfully, MICAH ZERUBBABEI..
 Perhaps you'd throw in the little picture, "Sour Grapes" Fifty pounds is 9 lot of money. M.Z.
 "Fm afraid he has made a mistake He meant to buy Chloe" said Mrs. Megilp uneasily.
 'Nonsense, my dear!" retorted her husband. "Here he makes me an of fer in black and white for Margaret Mending Her Stockings He ought to know what he wants. I shall wire acceptance at once, and we'll burn the bill of sale tomorrow morning."
 By the next mornings post came the bill of sale and Mir. Zerubbabers check for fifty pounds. Mrs. Megilp consigned the former in solemn silence to the